title: Experimental and theoretical characterization of microbial bioanodes formed in pulp and paper mill effluent in electrochemically controlled conditions.
abstract: Microbial bioanodes were formed in pulp and paper effluent on graphite plate electrodes under constant polarization at -0.3 V/SCE, without any addition of nutriment or substrate. The bioanodes were characterized in 3-electrode set-ups, in continuous mode, with hydraulic retention times from 6 to 48 h and inlet COD from 500 to 5200 mg/L. Current densities around 4A/m(2) were obtained and voltammetry curves indicated that 6A/m(2) could be reached at +0.1 V/SCE. A theoretical model was designed, which allowed the effects of HRT and COD to be distinguished in the complex experimental data obtained with concomitant variations of the two parameters. COD removal due to the electrochemical process was proportional to the hydraulic retention time and obeyed a Michaelis-Menten law with respect to the COD of the outlet flow, with a Michaelis constant KCOD of 400mg/L. An inhibition effect occurred above inlet COD of around 3000 mg/L.
authors.affiliation: Centre Technique du Papier, BP 251, 38044 Grenoble Cedex 9, France; Laboratoire de Génie Chimique (LGC), CNRS-Université de Toulouse (INPT), BP 84234, 31432 Toulouse, France.
authors.forename: Stephanie F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Ketep
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fourest
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bergel
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D057919:Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis; D004560:Electricity; D055664:Electrochemical Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D004566:Electrodes; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000032:analysis*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010209:Paper; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013997:Time Factors; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid
chemical_list: D007220:Industrial Waste
keywords: Bioanode; Microbial anode; Microbial fuel cell; Pulp mill effluent